Dhaka Metro Rail Nears Key Expansion: Passenger Service to Kamalapur Expected by April
Dhaka commuters are eagerly anticipating the arrival of the metro rail at Kamalapur, a highly awaited expansion that promises to save significant time and money. The authorities are planning to launch trial operations on the Motijheel to Kamalapur section in January, with commercial passenger services set to begin just three months later, in April.
This new 1.16-kilometer extension, part of MRT Line-6, will connect Kamalapur to the existing Uttara-Motijheel route. The total length of the line from Uttara to Kamalapur will be 21.26 kilometers, featuring 17 stations. Currently, the metro rail carries over 400,000 passengers daily. The extension to Kamalapur is projected to boost this number to 677,000 passengers each day.
Construction of the elevated viaduct and the Kamalapur metro station is complete. Workers are currently focused on finishing touches like tiling and painting. However, essential work on the railway track and electrical systems, including power supply and signaling, has only recently started. These are part of the electro-mechanical package for the extension.
The project has faced some delays and cost increases since its initial approval in 2012, with the total cost now standing at Tk 334.72 billion. Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is financing a significant portion of the project with a loan of Tk 197.18 billion.
Authorities are working to overcome challenges, including the procurement of specialized equipment from Japan for signaling and fare collection systems. If necessary, temporary equipment may be used for initial trial runs. The unique nature of trial operations, which will need to take place after midnight due to ongoing passenger services, means the testing period is expected to be longer than usual.
Despite these hurdles, project officials are optimistic about meeting the April target for passenger service to Kamalapur. This expansion is a crucial step in Dhaka’s broader plan to develop a comprehensive metro rail network across the capital.
